We all know that too much sun exposure isn’t good for our eyes. That’s why wearing sunglasses on bright, sunny days is essential. But when it comes to choosing the right pair, you may wonder: Do you need UV protection? And what about polarization? Let’s break it down.
UV protection and polarization are two distinct features of sunglasses. UV protection is critical for shielding your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays, whereas polarization focuses on improving visual comfort. Let’s explore both so you can make an informed decision.
What Is Polarization?
Polarization occurs when light waves become more concentrated, rather than dispersed. Normally, light waves travel in all directions, which makes it easy to see from any angle. However, certain surfaces like water, snow, and wet pavement cause the light waves to reflect in a more concentrated, horizontal direction. This concentrated light is what causes glare.
Anyone who enjoys fishing knows this phenomenon well—when sunlight hits water, it refracts. The light that reflects off the water is horizontally polarized, creating intense glare.
How Do Polarized Sunglasses Help?
Polarized sunglasses have lenses with built-in filters that block out this horizontal glare. While they don’t block all light, they significantly reduce the glare caused by reflections from horizontal surfaces. So, when you wear polarized lenses, you can still see ambient light, but the harsh glare is filtered out, making your view clearer.
Manufacturers typically focus on blocking horizontal light waves because sun glare most often occurs on horizontal surfaces, like lakes or wet roads.
Do You Need Polarized Sunglasses?
Whether you need polarized sunglasses depends on your activities and preferences. If your primary concern is eye protection, polarization isn’t a must. Polarized sunglasses mainly enhance visual comfort by reducing glare, which is especially useful for outdoor activities like fishing and skiing.
For anglers, polarized sunglasses improve visibility into the water by cutting glare. However, keep in mind that they can make it harder to see your fish finder’s screen.
For skiers, polarized lenses can help reduce glare from the snow, making it easier to see at a distance. On the downside, they may obscure the visibility of icy patches, which could be dangerous.
Ultimately, polarized sunglasses are a matter of personal preference. Some people appreciate the glare reduction they offer, while others find them unnecessary. If you find that polarization enhances your outdoor experience, then these sunglasses could be the right choice for you.